Page 13 of SNOB

“I don’t want the girl I’m with to be with anyone else. She’s mine and mine only.”

“Well, that’s possessive.”

I shrug. “I am who I am.” Hearing about The Valley girl that bothered Hannah makes my heart pound as I swipe the joint from Ryung’s hand. “I don’t have time to worry about girls. Not when I’m back on the team.” I don't have time to worry about her either. She should know better than to come to The Hill after what she did.

If I ever cross her path again, I’ll make sure it's the last time.

Bang! Bang!

Loud noises fill the air, my body stiffening as the joint falls from my hand. My abs burn, that feeling coming back to me as painful as it was that day.

“Dude, relax.” Ryung’s hand comes to my shoulder, bringing me back to reality. “It’s probably some kid’s birthday.”

My shoulders drop.

Fucking idiot.

Ryung arches a brow, picking up the joint from the stone. “Listen, I want you back despite your shortcomings.” He passes me the joint. “But are you sure you’re ready?”

Ember

“I’ll say it one more time in case those diamonds weigh on your brain.”

The crowd surrounds us in the middle of campus, Hannah pulling me out of the fantasy movie I’ve walked into.

Saint Bonaventure University is surreal. Cobblestone paths make their way between castle-like buildings, vines crawling up the turrets. They’re framed by lush gardens, tranquil ponds and greenery manicured to perfection. It’s all a contrast to who I am, standing in the midst of it all in those same black slacks, and my darkest graffiti’d shirt.

“Get the hell out of my face, Hannah” I repeat.

The tips of my Oxfords kiss the tip of her red-bottomed heels. Hannah’s lips match her shoes, her glittering lashes blinking under the Paradise Hill sun.

“Or what?” A stupid smile spreads across her face. “You’re gonna take your glock and off me?” Hannah looks around her, laughing.

My throat tightens, the world tilts.

There’s no way she knows about that night. Does she?

It feels like that cold metal is in my hands again, my ears ringing when that sound ricochets through my head.

I use my Valley edge to my advantage, moving an inch closer to her perfectly made-up face. “Try me.” My hands turn to balls by my side. “I dare you.”

This all happened so fast. One call to Greta’s dad and less than forty-eight hours later, I’m enrolled. Starting a whole new life in three days was a whirlwind, but I’m not giving up this chance. And I won’t let Hannah take it away from me.

“Do you hear that everyone?” Hannah raises her voice, speaking to the crowd around us. “The Valley Vermin is threatening to shoot me. Typical.”

“And you’re so insecure the new girl threatens you,” I retort with a snorty laugh. “Basic.”

Hannah sneers but before she can answer, the crowd quiets.

Her evil grin widens as the sun disappears, the sky darkening. Is Hannah a witch and orchestrating some evil spell?

“Move.” A strong, stoic voice comes from behind Hannah. It’s familiar. Bored but crisp. Demanding.

Haunting.

Hannah steps aside, her chin tilted to the clouds before I’m faced with the person I never thought I’d see again.

My breath stops, just like the first time. I’m frozen as he towers over me way more than he did that night.

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